Former Indian all-rounder Suresh Raina on Wednesday announced his retirement from all formats of the game.
Taking to twitter, Raina, 35, announced the development through a social media post. He thanked the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), BCCI vice-president Rajiv Shukla and the fans for their support throughout his cricketing journey.
“It has been an absolute honour to represent my country & state UP. I would like to announce my retirement from all formats of Cricket. I would like to thank @BCCI, @UPCACricket, @ChennaiIPL, @ShuklaRajiv sir & all my fans for their support and unwavering faith in my abilities,” Raina tweeted.
Despite being one of the most valuable player in the IPL, Raina couldn’t find a buyer at the mega players’ auction earlier this year.
Surprisingly, even CSK didn’t bid Raina.
Earlier, a report in Dainik Jagran had said that Raina is likely to ply his trade in T20 leagues in South Africa, Sri Lanka and UAE.
“I want to continue playing cricket for two or three years. There are some exciting youngsters who are coming through the ranks of Uttar Pradesh cricket. I have already taken my No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA). I have informed BCCI secretary Jay Shah and vice-president Rajiv Shukla about my decision,” Raina was quoted as saying by Dainik Jagran.
As of now, Raina will feature in the upcoming edition of the Road Safety World Series, starting September 10.
“I will play in the Road Safety Series. T20 franchises from South Africa, Sri Lanka and UAE have contacted me but I am yet to take any decision,” said Raina.
Notably, Raina drew curtains on his international cricket in 2020.